Oguogho Cletus

“We do not believe in all those kind of disease here, we have heard about it, but it could be spiritual sickness they call AIDS in the hostital” (Respondent, 2013).

Miles Las Vega and Nigeria

Nigeria

 Nigeria have the largest population in Africa with over174million.  The first case of HIV in Nigeria was diagnose in 1986  Over 210,000 Nigerians have died of AIDS.

 Africa have 24.5million cases of HIV around the world.  Nigeria occupies second place in the highest number of HIV cases around the globe (over 3.1million).  Southern Nigeria is presently hosting the highest number of HIV cases in Nigeria.

 Young people represent over 60% of New cases in Nigeria  Over 82% of people aged between are students in Nigeria

 Gender Difference  Socio-economic conditions  Religion  Early Marriage, e.t.c

 What perceptions and attitude towards HIV/AIDS exist among YP in southern Nigeria?  To what level are YP in Nigeria aware of HIV/AIDS?  Is there any relationship between the level of knowledge of HIV/AIDS and their sexual behaviour? Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the Knowledge, perception and attitudes concerning HIV/AIDS of students in Southern Nigeria and also to assess the Needs for HIV/AIDS prevention programs at schools. To come up with findings that would help to formulate or design proper strategy that will suit HIV/AIDS Prevention Programs.

Several reports has shown that Low Risk Perception contributes the highest new HIV cases in developing countries, including Nigeria.

 The design was a descriptive mix method research.  Quantitative descriptive method (Questionnaire)- used to quantify the factor of Knowledge and attitude  Qualitative descriptive method (FGD)- used to explore the perception of the same sample.  The data were collected using both quantitative and qualitative data collection instruments.  Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 19) was used for result analysis

N% Gender Male40263 Female24037 Marital Single Married162.5 Separated40.6 Religion Christian Muslim121.9 Traditional203.1 Demographic background of participants  Age limit: 18 to 24

 The average knowledge level was quite high (73.9%) among young males and females students that were recruited in this study.  47.9% of students do not know that AIDS virus can be transmitted via oral sex. Particularly, regarding the specific modes of HIV transmission.  However, the FGD shows a very Low risk perception among the respondents.

 Comparing the findings of this study with other government and NGOs report on HIV/AIDs among young people in Nigeria  Negligence  Lack of proper evaluation of information  Relationship between the findings and the AARM theoretical framework  Recongnising and lebelling action as risk

“No one has ever got close to us to discuss such a sensitive Issue. We were really at risk, but our perception towards HIV And AIDS has changed….” (FGD respondents, 2013)

 The questionnaire was derived from a more comprehensive one  Self-report questions was used  The sample did not represent the whole Nigeria youths

We need to make young people change their perception

Increase awareness Talk about HIV/AIDS to those most at risk

References Abdool, Q. (2001). Barriers to preventing human immunodeficiency virus in women: experiences from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Journal of the American Medical Women's Association; 56(4), Abdulraheem, I.S., & Fawole, O.I. (2009). Young people's sexual risk behaviours in Nigeria. Journal of Adolescent Research; 24(4), Abdulraheem, I.S., & Fawole, O.I. (2009). Young people's sexual risk behaviours in Nigeria. Journal of Adolescent Research, 24(4), Adebayo, D.O., Udegbe, I.B., & Sunmola, A.M. (2006). Gender, internet use, and sexual behaviour orientation among young Nigerians. Cyberpsychology & Behaviour, 9(6), Adebiyi, A.O., Owoaje, O., & Asuzu, M.C. (2008). Relationships as determinants of substance use amongst street children in a local government area in south-western Nigeria. South African Family Practice, 50(5), 47-47d. Adedimeji, A. (2003): “Perception of HIV/AIDSinfection and condom use amongundergraduates in Nigerian universities”.Department of Sociology, University of Ibadan. Adegoke, S.O. (2010) “Effect of HIV/AIDS Awareness on Sexual Behaviour of students in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria”. Ilorin: University press Ademokoya, J.A., & Ben-Stowe, J.N. (2007). Experiences of Mothers of Children with Hearing Disability in Oyo State, Nigeria. The Social Sciences, 20(3), Adinma, J.I.B., Agbai, A.O., Okeke, A.O., & Okaro, J.M. (1999). Contraception in Teenage Nigerian School girls. Advances in Contraception, 15(4), Adjibolosoo, S.B. (2006). Developing Civil Society: Social Order and the Human Factor Hampshire. Burlington: Ashgate Publishing Limited. Adu-Mireku S. (2003). Family Communication about HIV/AIDS and Sexual Behaviour Among Senior Secondary School Students in Accra

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